Bugalicious delicacies

Crickets are considered a plague in most parts of the world, but for a province in Cambodia, the millions of crickets that swarm the plains every year are a cause for celebration.

20 Jun 2007

In rural Kompong Thom, crickets are a delicacy, served up deep-fried, crunchy and seasoned.

Some Cambodians believe eating crickets regularly improves health and longevity and the region is the country's leading cricket producer as its watery soil helps the insects to flourish.

"They taste very good and I like to eat them everyday," said Gnoun Vanny who regularly buys the bugs for his family dinner.

Crickets, like most insects, are rich in protein and some research suggests they help lower cholesterol. Hunting crickets also provide extra income for many poor farmers, who scoop up the insects to sell at the market.

"I catch anything between one and 10 kilograms a day and this business helps me to support myself and improve my living conditions," 50-year-old cricket hunter Meo Teun said.

During the cricket season the market fills with the smell of frying crickets and queues of customers who pick through the piles for the fattest bugs.

"To make the crickets taste good, I mix them with a lot of seasoning and fry them in good quality oil," says cricket seller Ren Sreymeo.

Eating crickets is an Asian affair. In Vietnam, the crunchy insects are popular finger food while in Bangkok, water bugs, grasshoppers, larvae and mealworms are sold off carts in the street to both rich and poor.

Who knew that those pesky little insects could improve your health!?

- None

You might also Like

24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.